President Goodluck Jonathan has said that veteran journalist, Alhaji Alade Odunewu porpularly called Allah De who died on Thursday will be eternally remembered.
The president in a statement signed by Reuben Abat, Special Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity) said on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria commiserates with the family of foremost journalist, public affairs analyst, administrator and role model for media professionals, Alhaji Alade Odunewu who passed away yesterday at the age of 85.
President Jonathan also joined the Odunewu family and all who knew “Allah De” as he was popularly known in mourning the veteran journalist who attained national fame with his popular and widely read satirical newspaper columns with which he entertained, educated and edified an adoring public.
Also the statement said Jonathan believes that as Alhaji Odunewu is laid to rest in Lagos today, his family, relatives, associates, admirers and the many media professionals for whom he was an inspiring mentor and role model should be comforted by the knowledge that his place alongside the greats of Nigerian journalism is assured.
President Jonathan also believes that Alhaji Odunewu will be eternally remembered and honoured as a nationalist and patriot whose notable contributions to national development extended well beyond his chosen profession of journalism to the public service of his state and Nigeria where he served with distinction as Commissioner, member of the Federal Electoral Commission and Chairman of the Nigerian Press Council.
As they mourn him, the President urges the present generation of Nigerian journalists to strive to emulate Alhaji Odunewu’s exemplary craftsmanship, courage, forthrightness, fairness, patriotism, honesty and moral rectitude which were most apparent in his life and also evident in “Winner Takes All”, the collection of writings which he has bequeathed to posterity.
He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Odunewu’s gentle soul and grant him eternal rest.
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